Live updates as firefighters called to Greater Manchester blaze and people told to keep doors and windows closed

Fire crews have rushed to a "huge fire" in Middleton involving a storage unit.

Dramatic images from the scene on Townley Street show crews in attendance as smoke billows into the sky.

A cordon has been set up as emergency services work to get the fire under control.

Eyewitnesses have reported seeing several fire crews in attendance, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirming that eight appliances have been sent to tackle the blaze.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Firefighters are currently tackling a fire involving a storage unit at a commercial premises on Old Hall Street, Middleton

"Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed with some surrounding roads also closed."

This is a live event, follow our blog below for the latest updates.

The latest from our reporter.

The cordon has been extended. @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/mrIqzrFrkz

A GMFRS representative on scene told our reporter at the scene that firefighters are 'currently carrying out firefighting internally and externally' and they are trying to extinguish lithium ion batteries in a storage unit.

“There’s around 45 fire fighters on scene currently, said the spokesperson.

Here is some more video showing the scale of the fire.

The latest from our reporter.

The smell of burning rubber is still strong. @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/w3UWxTP1ps

The fire service has published its warning on its social media channels.

Firefighters are currently tackling a fire involving a storage unit at a commercial premises on Old Hall Street, Middleton

Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed with some surrounding roads also closed#GMFRS pic.twitter.com/pLozNugroF

Our photgrapher Sean Hansford has taken these